Public Enquiry welcomed

Ulster Unionist MLA for Newry and Armagh, Danny Kennedy, has welcomed the announcement by Environment Minister Edwin Poots of a Public Enquiry into the NIE cross border Inter Connector project.

“I am very pleased by the Minister’s announcement, which will ensure that the views of those affected by the proposed 400 Kilo Volt cross-border Inter Connector – which has been the subject of unprecedented opposition on both sides of the border – will now be aired in an appropriate forum.

“While the local community obviously supports the appropriate maintenance and upgrading of our power supply network, their very real concerns about these particular proposals deserve a fair hearing,” the UUP MLA said.

“I must commend the sterling work of the SEAT (Safe Energy for Armagh/Tyrone) campaign group, who deserve recognition for their efforts to represent the concerns of the local community.

“This has been a lengthy battle, and I remain wholly supportive of this campaign for the undergrounding of cabling on land close to houses and farms.

“I am delighted to see progress being made, and would urge local people to make representations to the Public Enquiry. There are compelling arguments around this issue and it is vital that the voice of this community is heard if we are to ensure the best possible outcome.”